IETA welcomes Julia Michalak as EU Policy Director

LONDON, 19 December -- IETA is delighted to announce the appointment of Julia Michalak as EU Policy Director, with effect from 16 January 2017.

Julia joins IETA from the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM), where she has been responsible for research on EU climate and energy policy.

“We’re delighted Julia will bring her experience and knowledge of European policy to bear on our mission to develop efficient, robust carbon markets both in the EU and elsewhere,” said Dirk Forrister, chief executive officer.

Previously, Julia worked for several years on EU climate policy, with a special focus on Poland. Before PISM she worked for a Warsaw-based policy think-tank demosEUROPA, Climate Action Network Europe secretariat in Brussels and Greenpeace Poland. She led European NGOs’ advocacy work on the EU Emissions Trading System, focusing on “backloading”, the Market Stability Reserve and free allocation to the power sector in Central and Eastern Europe. In the years 2008-2009, she also followed the UNFCCC negotiations.

“With the Paris Agreement in place, the EU advancing its carbon market reform and China launching a national system next year, there is a strong momentum for market instruments in delivering meaningful climate action. I look forward to contributing to these positive developments,” Julia said.

Beginning on 16 January 2017, Julia will work in the Brussels office with Stefano De Clara, who was recently promoted to Director of International Policy. Until then, enquiries on the EU ETS should be directed to Stefano De Clara.